Radio Frequency Skin Tightening
Radio frequency (RF) skin tightening uses heat to produce new skin cells and proteins. Sometimes called a nonsurgical facelift, the goal of the procedure is to plump up your skin so it’s firm and youthful.
Non-surgical skin tightening has been the leading minimally invasive procedure in the past few years, largely because it eliminates the risks of surgery while still providing excellent results. Before embarking on this procedure, it’s important to understand how it works so you know what to expect before you commit.
What Is RF Skin Tightening?
Radio-frequency skin tightening uses low-frequency electromagnetic waves to penetrate deep into your skin. As it sinks into the layers, it stimulates new cell production, collagen, and elastin. The procedure follows many of the same tenets of other aesthetic treatments: by gently damaging the skin, the body is forced to make new cells to combat the damage. Collagen and elastin are both proteins that assist your skin cells in the rejuvenation process. They also make your cells more flexible, which helps to give your skin its firm look and feel.
Should you opt for RF skin tightening, you should know that it’s both safe and largely effective for all skin tones. Regardless of who you are or what your skin looks like now, you can expect the procedure to give your skin a more youthful glow. If you’re worried about the immediate aftermath, it’s worth noting that skin discoloration or damage is extremely rare. However, it is possible that patients with very saggy skin will see less favorable results than those who are experiencing their first signs of aging.
Who Performs Radio Frequency Skin Tightening?
You can find RF skin tightening at a number of different practices. Anyone from a plastic surgeon to a dermatologist might offer the procedure as an alternative to a facelift. Plenty of medical spas will also perform RF skin tightening, though medical spas can be risky if you don’t do your homework on who works the equipment.
Due to the popularity of these procedures, opportunists all over the country have set up unlicensed businesses to capitalize on the demand. At Vue Facial Aesthetics, you’ll work with licensed skin specialists who provide you with the best possible care.
What Are the Benefits of RF Skin Tightening?
When you choose RF skin tightening, you can expect the following benefits:
- Convenience: With surgery, you might experience a far longer recovery time than with RF skin tightening. With a facelift, you might need up to a month to feel back to normal. With RF treatment, you just need to avoid heat for 48 hours. You can generally return to work after just a day.
- Expenses: RF skin treatment is far less expensive than a facelift, which can make it a more palatable choice for those watching their pennies.
- Skin tone: RF frequency improves the texture of your skin, reduces sun damage, and make your wrinkles and fine lines a thing of the past.
Can RF Skin Tightening Treat More than My Face?
Yes! RF skin tightening can be used anywhere on the body. People use it to treat sagging skin on their necks, arms, hands, etc. They may also select it for for body contouring if they want to reshape their figure. It can even be used for vagina rejuvenation for mothers or for women going through menopause. If you’re interested in skin tightening on a body part other than your face, you can work with a licensed aesthetician to achieve the results you’re looking for.
How Long Does It Take for New Skin Cells to Form?
Your body needs to produce not just the skin cells but also the proteins that keep the skin firm. This takes time, but the upside is that the results occur more naturally than those of a facelift.
While it depends on the person in question, you can expect your new skin to take anywhere from two to six months to appear. If you need additional treatments, you can work with the staff at Vue Facial Aesthetics to schedule another appointment. Patients with very saggy skin may need up to six treatments to achieve the look they want.
How Long Does Radio Frequency Skin Tightening Last?
It’s difficult to estimate how long skin tightening will last, largely because your skin is always aging. In addition, it will depend on how your skin looked prior to signing up for the procedure, as saggier skin is less responsive to the electromagnetic waves.
The general rule is anywhere from one to several years, though it’s important to temper your expectations as time goes by. If you want to look and feel a little more like your normal self directly following the treatment, you’re free to wear makeup afterward.
How Does the RF Procedure Work?
Like most procedures, it all starts with an evaluation. During the appointment, your skin will be assessed, and the provider will ask questions about what you’re looking for from the procedure. If you’re pregnant or being treated for any type of skin disorder, it’s important to let the provider know about anything that might compromise your health.
Once you’re approved, you can expect the actual treatment to last for about an hour. The provider will sterilize your skin, and then move a frequency electrode device over the desired area. Pain during the procedure is rare, though you may feel slight discomfort due to the vibrations and the heat from the device. Once it’s done, you can usually go home soon after a very short waiting period.
As a general rule, there’s no peeling or scarring, and you won’t need to miss work or the majority of your regularly scheduled activities. The doctor may ask you to avoid the sun or jacuzzis for a day or two, but the restrictions are minimal. Plus, the changes are gradual, so you won’t have to explain any drastic changes in your appearance.
What Are the Risks of RF Skin Tightening Treatment?
While it’s extremely rare, there are patients who have experienced burns after skin tightening. The more common side effects are mild redness or swelling, which typically goes away after a day. To reduce the odds of potential burning, the RF device should be approved by the FDA, so you’re far less likely to suffer from this already unlikely side effect.
While the World Health Organization has found some correlation between radio frequency and cancer, there have been no studies to connect cancer to RF waves. Anything from your television to your smartphone uses the same waves, and the frequency for RF skin tightening is extremely low. As of now, there is no known increase in your chances of cancer should you opt for RF tightening.
Find RF Treatment Near You
RF skin tightening has increased in popularity for a reason. This nonsurgical option is safe, effective, and can last for up to three years. If you’re looking for RF treatment near you, the staff at Vue Facial Aesthetics is here to answer your questions and schedule a consultation.
